A man has been shot by police in Scotland after he allegedly fired a crossbow at officers.

The 24-year-old had been involved in a stand-off with armed police for seven hours after barricading himself inside a house in Kilbirnie, Ayrshire.

Police Scotland's Assistant Chief Constable, Malcolm Graham, said his injuries are not being considered as serious or life-threatening.

However, he has been taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock for treatment.

No one else was hurt during the stand-off, and detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

The incident has been referred to the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner.

A spokeswoman for PIRC said: "The Police Investigations and Review Commissioner has been directed by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) to investigate the discharge of a conventional firearm during an incident at a residential address in Kilbirnie earlier today, Saturday 12 March 2016.

"It is reported that during the incident, a 24-year-old man was shot by police at around 12.15pm, following the alleged discharge of a crossbow at officers.

"A report on the Commissioner's findings will be submitted to the COPFS in due course."